Trip members posed for a nighttime shot outside the Capitol.

Editor’s Note: Michele Miller Houck recently accompanied a youth group from Davidson College Presbyterian Church on a mission trip to learn about  urban poverty and engage in advocacy for the poor.  Participants flew to New York City and then rode a train down the East Coast, with stops in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.   Michele provided the following account.

By MICHELE MILLER HOUCK

Early on a Saturday in June, I left Davidson with 12 youth and 5 adults from Davidson College Presbyterian Church to join a trip focused on understanding and empathy. As we made our way from New York to Baltimore and Washington, our eyes were opened to the issues of urban poverty and homelessness. Nine days later, we returned to Davidson tired, but energized to make a difference. Read the full story

These are hard times financially for many in our community and neighboring towns.  Individually, many of us are contributing money to the charities of our choice.  But what are we doing collectively? At Davidson United Methodist Church (DUMC), members this week undertook two projects in hopes of making a difference: A food collection and the start of a new community garden. Associate Minister Jeff Hassel calls it “good news in the midst of bad.”

Also below, news about a food drive at Davidson College Presbyterian Church for Loaves & Fishes food pantry, which has seen an increase in clients it serves. Read the full story

Randy Kincaid

Former Mayor Randy Kincaid and the president emeritus of Columbia Theological Seminary are key speakers in a series of lectures and discussions on faith and the economy beginning this Sunday at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.
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YMCA announcement

Lake Norman YMCA invites the entire community for the 2nd annual Easter Sunrise Service this Sunday, April 12, at 6:30 a.m. The service will be an intimate and unique experience that takes place overlooking the lake in the natural setting of an outdoor chapel. Read the full story